Article 67Sending of Copy of Written Petition for Adjudication of Domestic Relations

①When a petition for adjudication of domestic relations regarding any of the matters set forth in Appended Table 2 is filed, the family court must send a copy of a written petition for adjudication of domestic relations to the respondent, except when the petition is unlawful or the petition is clearly groundless; provided, however, that if it is found that there is a risk of interfering with smooth progress in the proceedings for adjudication of domestic relations, the family court may give notice to the respondent of the fact that a petition for adjudication of domestic relations is filed, in lieu of sending a copy of a written petition for adjudication of domestic relations.

②The provisions of Article 49, paragraphs (4) through (6) apply mutatis mutandis when it is impossible to send a copy of a written petition for adjudication of domestic relations or to give notice in lieu of sending the copy under the provisions of the preceding paragraph.

③When the presiding judge specifies a reasonable period and orders a petitioner to prepay costs for sending a copy of a written petition for adjudication of domestic relations or for giving notice in lieu of sending such copy under the provisions of paragraph (1), but the costs are not prepaid, the presiding judge must, by a direction, dismiss the written petition for adjudication of domestic relations.

④An immediate appeal may be filed against the direction set forth in the preceding paragraph.